Preparatory work for the highly anticipated Moulsecoomb housing and community hub development is set to begin later this month, following the appointment of Wates Residential as the main contractor for the project.

The announcement was made at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, 23 January, and comes with confirmation of a £11.6 million grant from Homes England's Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund. This funding will cover essential site preparation, landscaping, and infrastructure, as well as contribute to the construction of the much-needed community hub.

Wates Residential, chosen after a comprehensive tender process, brings a wealth of experience in delivering both private and public sector construction projects. Their bid was selected for its strong emphasis on quality and their commitment to investing in the local community. As part of the project, Wates will implement a Social Value framework, designed to benefit Moulsecoomb residents. This will include apprenticeship opportunities, volunteering initiatives focused on tackling food and fuel poverty, and efforts to increase local employment in construction.

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The Moulsecoomb development is a major regeneration project that will see the creation of 200 new council homes, alongside a multi-use community hub to serve the area. The development will be built on the land formerly used by the Moulsecoomb north and south hubs, the 67 Centre, and surrounding areas.

The community hub will provide a variety of services, including a GP surgery, Moulsecoomb Library, a youth centre, adult learning facilities, and a community café. The development also aims to enhance the public space with new amenities such as a skate park and a 7-a-side 3G football pitch.

The project's design has been heavily influenced by feedback from local residents. Over 200 residents participated in ‘planning for real’ sessions, sharing their ideas and concerns, which helped shape the vision for the development. Wates Residential has pledged to maintain strong communication with the community throughout the construction process.

A key part of the project's approach is ensuring ongoing community involvement. Before construction begins, a ‘meet the contractor’ event will be held to introduce Wates Residential to the community. Additionally, a local community liaison officer will be appointed to serve as the main point of contact between the project team and stakeholders, including residents, schools, local businesses, and community groups. Monthly meetings will also be held to discuss progress and gather feedback from the community.

Demolition work on the site is expected to begin in spring 2024, with construction slated to start in June. The overall goal is to create a vibrant, sustainable development that meets the housing and community needs of Moulsecoomb, fostering a stronger and more connected local community.